Hello all

Been absent due to a wicked case of bronchitis! Knocked me right on my rear. Rocky has been my companion and soul mate through this 4 week experience. He sure is True Blue Odie and dedicated to his mom!

Over the past few months Rocky has been licking his "private parts" far more than the usual GS housekeeping. He'll get up from his bed and there is a huge wet spot from his constant licking. Sometime it looks like he's licking his penis raw. Looks bloody but no blood on the surface. No other unusual behavior and if we distract him he'll leave it alone. More often than not this occurs in the early morning hours before anyone is up. I hate to use bitter apple or something like that in such a "delicate" area but sure would like to get him to slow it down. (stopping is not in the GS dictionary) Is this just another part of doggie alzheimers/dementia that people refer to? He is 12 1/2 yo so not a young man by any means. He's eating well, playing, happy and healthy as far as we know. Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks so much!

I`m guessing one of a couple of possibilities. Something is itching there, boredom or pain in that area. A trip to the vet may be in order.
There is the remote possibility it`s just self pleasure but I doubt it.

First off, I am so glad to hear Rocky is doing well (aside from the licking)!

Sounds more like an irritation or something though...like when dogs over lick their paws. Probably couldn't hurt to mention it to your vet. Is he dripping any urine? If he is starting to be a little incontinent (not uncommon for a guy his age) and it drips a little, he might be trying to "clean" himself up. Or it could be possible that he was slightly irritated/itchy there - licked too much, made it raw and now keeps licking to keep it from bothering him...a vicious cycle sort of thing. Just throwing out some ideas.

Just took him to the vet for his bath but of course forgot to mention it. I've had to start "trimming" his back feathers (breaks my heart cause he's such a handsome devil and taking away his gorgeous fur makes me crazy) but since his back legs are so wobbly he really has a time getting "into position" to go potty and then staying there. It's a struggle to do his business but he is determined and does pretty well. However, we find that sometimes I have to take a wet paper towel to clean him up when he's done. Haven't trimmed his private parts but around his butt I have. Wonder if that is making him itchy!!! Will give the vet a call and see what they think. Thanks for the suggestions.

We're thrilled he's doing so well. Seems we've been able to find solutions to each new "senior" problem as it arises. Hopefully we'll figure this one out too. Hope all are doing well.

Cyndi and Mr. Rocky

HI all

Took Rocky to the vet. We moms and dads of our favorite GSs are a tough group (or at least I'm feeling like my hubby and I are pretty tough at this point).

The vet checked prostate and rear end and all the parts "back there" for abnormalities and all was good. Then decided to take some blood tests to be certain kidneys and internal parts were ok and functioning ok. Got the results today and all came up perfect. Vet is amazed how great Rocky's tests came back and also how good his spine x-ray is. He's in really good shape.

He suggested while we were there that we get some KY jelly and "assist" Rock in keeping his "you know what" moist. OK...who gets to do that..his dad or mom (DAD WON). So for the last two days he's getting KY applied and guess what....the licking stopped! I know it sounds crazy but I'm not knocking it if it works. So yet another chapter in the senior dog's life!!!

Great news!!

First: That is AWESOME news that Rocky's bloodwork and xrays came back clean!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Second: "Dad Won" had me cracking up!